All posts tagged Gogol Bordello

Tri-state area music fans are gearing up for this weekend’s All Points West festival in Liberty State Park, N.J. Highlights: Jay-Z is filling in for the Beastie Boys as the headliner Friday; Tool and Coldplay will follow as leading acts for the next two nights. If craning your neck amidst a sea of sweaty, dehydrated fans just to catch a glimpse of Chris Martin just won’t do, consider checking out these six lesser-known groups that might be off your radar — but are more than worth your while to check out.

MSTRKRFT: These two electronic masterminds from Canada produce infectious, gritty beats that will make you move. Listen to “Bounce (feat. N.O.R.E)” off of their recent album, “Fist of God” -– if it isn’t already your summer party anthem, it will be.

Ra Ra Riot: Despite the aggressive-sounding name, this five-person band from Syracuse, N.Y. blends sweet, sincere indie rock and chamber pop infused with violin and cello. Since their debut album “The Rhumb Line” dropped last year, the group has toured with Death Cab for Cutie and collaborated with Vampire Weekend.

The Black Keys: This blues-rock band from Akron, Ohio brings it back to the basics with just one guitar and a drum set. That’s all they need to fill the stage with sound and energy. You might recognize their song “I’ll Be Your Man” — it’s the theme song for the new HBO series “Hung.” Read More »

Two weeks ago, actress and singer Patti LuPone grabbed a cell phone out of the hand of an audience member who was texting during a performance of her current play, "Shows for Days." The bold move led to an outpouring of support from fans fed up with glowing screens. Ms. LuPone gives us her five rules of theater etiquette.